Senate confirms Kerry as secretary of State

Jan. 29, 2013 - 05:52PM
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Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was confirmed by the Senate to be the next secretary of state Jan. 29. (Saul Loeb / AFP)

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The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., as the next secretary of State in a 94-to-3 vote.

Kerry will succeed current Secretary Hillary Clinton, who is stepping down Feb. 1.

Kerry’s fellow senators lauded his record after quickly confirming him.

“John Kerry will serve our nation well as America’s top diplomat,” said Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md. “American diplomats and development professionals abroad are facing serious security and political challenges at the same time our nation faces serious fiscal and political challenges at home. I believe that Secretary Kerry will be open to systemic reforms within the department while remaining a strong advocate for America’s interests around the world.”